Press Releases

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Save your grocery list for Thursday, March 25 and shop at Whole Foods Market Sauganash (6020 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago; 773-205-1100) to support A Silver Lining Foundation’s Buy A Mom A Mammogram program. Five percent of total sales that day benefit the program, which provides screening mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women at Swedish Covenant Hospital (5145 N. California Ave., Chicago; 773-878-8200).

Dr. Sandy Goldberg started A Silver Lining in 2002 to provide underinsured and uninsured women with information concerning cancer resources, treatment options and support services, and funds no cost mammograms. With your support on March 25, we can fund more mammograms to women in need.

Already serving several farmers' markets throughout the Chicago area and across the country in markets like Seattle's Pike Place Market, owners Jim and Paula Steinberg open Chicago's first permanent Pappardelle's location at Chicago French Market, under the helm of general manager Norine Mulry.

"Opening a retail location at Chicago French Market was a no-brainer for us," says Jim Steinberg. "This is an exciting opportunity for us to become part of Chicago's first indoor year-round farmer's market in the growing, thriving neighborhood of the Fulton River District."

Pappardelle's Pasta joins an already impressive lineup of 30 vendors in Chicago French Market, a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese and wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, flowers and a seating area for customers. MetraMarket's Chicago French Market and its vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visitwww.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

WFN: World Fishing Network, that nation’s only 24-hour fishing lifestyle TV channel, celebrated the launch of its Web site dedicated to finding Chicago’s Best Angler, www.wfnchicago.com, with the help of former Chicago Cub and avid fisherman—and soon to be Hall of Fame inductee—Andre Dawson last night with an autograph signing event at Bass Pro Shops (709 Janes Ave., Bolingbrook; 630-296-2700). More than 200 Chicago area fans and anglers attended the event, where Dawson autographed official WFN photos.

Dawson, an avid fisherman who played six years with the Cubs and won the NL MVP with the club in 1987, will pick the lucky angler for the contest, who will win the “fishing trip of a lifetime” with Dawson to a fishing hole to be determined. The winner and Dawson will have their fishing adventure covered by a WFN crew, and it will air on the network, giving the lucky winner a rare chance to appear on national television. The grand prize also includes $1,000 in cash and WFN merchandise.

Anglers and fans who visited the store during the event met their baseball hero, received a special autographed Dawson photo, and had the opportunity to sign up for the contest, which runs through April 15. Attendees also used laptops at the store to send e-mails to area cable providers Comcast and DirecTV to demand WFN.

Chicago and area fans are encouraged to go to www.wfnchicago.com to enter for their chance to win. To bolster their chances of winning, entrants are encouraged to make sure their friends and family “rate” their entry on the site. Entrants are also encouraged to promote their entry on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites, to help garner support. To enter, fans must tell the network and Dawson in 200 words or less what they love about fishing in the Chicago area and why they are Chicago’s best angler. Entrants are also encouraged to include a photo with entry. Dawson will select the winner, to be announced in late April.

The site also includes blogs from local anglers, photos and video content, all relevant to anglers in the area.

“We’d like to thank Bass Pro Shops and of course Andre Dawson for helping WFN celebrate our Chicago Web site launch and our search for Chicago’s Best Angler,” said WFN CEO Mark Rubinstein at the event. “This has been an incredible turnout, and we thank the anglers and fans in the Chicago area for demanding WFN from their providers.”

Fishing in Illinois is big business, and massive participation. More than 873,000 people fish in Illinois each year, spending more than 16 million days fishing total related expenditures at more than $774 million.*

WFN already has become a popular channel in other surrounding fishing markets, launching on Charter in Wisconsin, a popular fishing destination for many Chicagoans, Xfinity (Comcast) has added WFN to its lineup in Michigan markets such as Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Flint.

WFN’s high definition channel, WFN HD, is available in the Chicago area on DISH Network (channel 394) and AT&T U-verse (channel 1679).

WFN is also available nationally on satellite TV provider DISH Network, AT&T U-verse, Charter Communications, Verizon Fios among other distributors.

Photo: World Fishing Network CEO Mark Rubinstein, former Chicago Cub Andre Dawson, and Chris Doyle, vice president of WFN marketing. Photos taken at Bass Pro Shops Bolingbrook store March 19 during a promotion to support the launch of WFN in the Chicago market.
Photo credit: Ernest J. Schweit, Kurman Communications, Inc.

Denaer's children from Naperville with baseball great, former Chicago Cub, Hall of Famer and avid angler Andre Dawson at Bass Pro Shops in Bolingbrook for the World Fishing Network.

WFN: World Fishing Network team with Kurman Communications staff and baseball great Andre Dawson after a full day of media activities and autograph signing at Bass Pro Shops in Bolingbrook, IL yesterday.
Photo by: Ernest J. Schweit, Kurman Communications, Inc.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Throughout my internship at Kurman Communications, I gained a vast range of knowledge about the public relations industry, I improved my writing skills by writing numerous blog posts and I applied these skills in the classroom. This experience has been so helpful and I am very grateful for the opportunity.Prior to my internship my knowledge about public relations was hazy, but by having the opportunity to a have hands-on experience, I am now more confident in this field. Being thrown into the industry, I learned much more than ten weeks in the classroom. Throughout my Winter Quarter at DePaul University, I took a class entitled “Writing for Public Relations and Advertising.” This class was a nice parallel to my internship as I was able to feed off of the information I learned at Kurman and apply it to my class work.

Social media plays a big role in public relations, especially Twitter. I was introduced to Twitter for the first time through my internship. While I'm still learning the ropes of it, I realize the importance of social media and the huge role it plays in the industry. You can follow me on Twitter @MarenHynek.

A highlight of my internship was attending the Erie-LaSalle 75th Anniversary and Haiti Benefit event. I was able to witness the process of planning an event from start to finish and having the opportunity to attend the event and see the finished product was awesome.

One of my favorite clients Kurman currently works with is the Chicago French Market. Why? I love everything French and will be studying abroad in Paris during the Spring Quarter so visiting the market and learning more about it made me even more excited for my travels abroad.

Sadly, today was my last day at Kurman, but I was fortunate enough to go out with a bang. Working the World Fishing Network (WFN) event at Bass Pro Shops was a good way to finish my internship. I got to spend the whole day surrounded by everyone from the office and I can't complain. I've been with Kurman since WFN became a client and have seen this event planned from the beginning and fortunately I got to see the end result.

I have learned so much in these past ten weeks and will continue to push myself to become an even better writer to help prepare me for the public relations industry once I graduate DePaul University next year. I am going to miss everyone so much and again, I am so thankful for this opportunity!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Fans will have a chance to meet Dawson March 19 at Bolingbrook Bass Pro Shops® and to win a fishing trip with the former Cub and Hall of Famer

WFN: World Fishing Network, the nation’s only 24-hour fishing lifestyle TV channel, celebrates the launch of its Web site dedicated to finding Chicago’s Best Angler, www.wfnchicago.com, with the help of former Chicago Cub and avid fisherman—and soon to be Hall of Fame inductee—Andre Dawson.

Dawson, an avid fisherman who played six years with the Cubs and won the NL MVP with the club in 1987, will pick the lucky angler, who will win the “fishing trip of a lifetime” with Dawson to a fishing hole to be determined. The winner and Dawson will have their fishing adventure covered by a WFN crew, and it will air on the network, giving the lucky winner a rare chance to appear on national television. The grand prize also includes $1,000 in cash and WFN merchandise.

WFN has also partnered with Bass Pro Shops to give fans and anglers in the Chicago area a chance to meet Dawson and get an autograph at 7 p.m. Friday, March 19 at the Bass Pro Shops location at 709 Janes Ave., Bolingbrook; (630) 296-2700.

Anglers and fans who visit the store during the event will meet their baseball hero, receive a special autographed Dawson photo, and have the opportunity to sign up for the contest.

Chicago and area fans are encouraged to go to www.wfnchicago.com to enter for their chance to win. To bolster their chances of winning, entrants are encouraged to make sure their friends and family “rate” their entry on the site. Entrants are also encouraged to promote their entry on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites, to help garner support. To enter, fans must tell the network and Dawson in 200 words or less what they love about fishing in the Chicago area and why they are Chicago’s best angler. Entrants are also encouraged to include a photo with entry. Dawson will select the winner, to be announced in late April.

The site also includes blogs from local anglers, photos and video content, all relevant to anglers in the area.

“We are excited to partner with Andre Dawson and Bass Pro Shops to celebrate the launch of our Chicago presence online, since the Chicagoland area is one of the nation's top fishing markets and the demand for the network is huge,” said Mark Rubinstein, President & CEO of WFN. “We have been thrilled to bring WFN to the more than 60 million people across the nation who love to fish, and we look forward to launching this initiative specifically for the Chicago market.”

Fishing in Illinois is big business, and massive participation. More than 873,000 people fish in Illinois each year, spending more than 16 million days fishing with total related expenditures at more than $774 million.*

WFN already has become a popular channel in other surrounding fishing markets, launching on Charter in Wisconsin, a popular fishing destination for many Chicagoans. Xfinity (Comcast) has added WFN to its lineup in Michigan markets such as Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Flint.

WFN’s high definition channel, WFN HD, is available in the Chicago area on DISH Network (channel 394) and AT&T U-verse (channel 1679).

WFN is also available nationally on satellite TV provider DISH Network, AT&T U-verse, Charter Communications, Verizon Fios among other distributors.

About WFN: World Fishing NetworkWFN: World Fishing Network is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. WFN’s wide-ranging programming lineup includes primetime theme nights, regional bureaus from across the nation, a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any TV channel. Featuring popular programs hosted by the world’s top anglers, the network also delivers a weekly news program, WFN News, and the schedule includes a variety of exclusive lifestyle shows including Hookin’ Up with Mariko Izumi and WFN’s Reel Road Trip. WFN also delivers the beauty of fishing in stunning High Definition with WFN HD, a separate network that delivers 100 percent High Definition programming 24/7.

Originally launched in December 2005, today WFN and WFN HD are available in more than 20 million households through North American cable, satellite and telecommunications distributors. In the U.S., distributors include AT&T U-verse, Charter Communications, Comcast, DISH Network and Verizon FiOS. For more information, visit www.WFN.TV.

Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton between Randolph and Washington streets, a project by the Bensidoun family of France and U.S. Equities Realty of Chicago, has been named Best Redevelopment Project of 2009. Chicago French Market appeals to the "shop local" food movement by offering about 30 vendors of fresh ingredients for home cooking or for commuters grabbing a quick lunch. The award was presented last night at a benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank. The awards dinner raised more than $850,000 to support hunger-relief programs and has raised more than $10 million in the past 22 years. More than 1,500 attendees were on hand as awards were presented in 15 categories.

About Glen PrairieGlen Prairie serves contemporary American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on local Midwest flavors and products. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge remains open one hour later than the restaurant each day.

Still deciding on dining plans for this week or weekend? Come to Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Ill.; 847-970-6900) for its weekly specials offered March 12 -19. Start with a Smoked Salmon Carpaccio served with Field Greens and a Yuzu Dressing for $7. The entrée feature is a Grilled Marinated Flank Steak served with Pesto, Mashed Potatoes and Baby Vegetables for $22. End the meal with Lychee Tapioca garnished with Peaches and a Green Tea White Chocolate Lattice for $7.

Karma’s weekly specials will be served in addition to the regular menu.

About KarmaKarma is a sophisticated restaurant with a zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. daily. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge stays open one extra hour each night. Karma is located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Chicago North Shore at 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, Ill. 60060.

Looking to try out a new place for Easter Brunch this year? Bring the family to Birch River Grill (75 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill.; 847-427-4242) for its Easter Brunch Buffet, served from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, April 4 with a wide variety of stations.

The Seafood Station includes Whole Smoked King Salmon, Whole Smoked Trout and Peel and Eat Cocktail Shrimp. The Salad Station features Mixed Greens with Goat Cheese, Pecans and Lemon Herb Dressing, Baby Hearts of Romaine with Anchovy Parmesan Dressing, and Orzo Primavera Salad with Spring Artichokes and Kalamata Olives. The Continental Station offers Bakery Fresh Breads, Muffins, Croissants, Danish, Mini Bagels, and Fresh Fruit and Berries. The Eggs, Omelets and Waffles Made to Order Station includes Eggs and Omelets Made to Order, Fresh Belgium Waffles with Strawberry Coulis and Cinnamon Whipped Butter, Sage Country Sausage Links, Peppered Bacon, and Red Skinned Breakfast Potatoes with Caramelized onions and peppers. The Carving Station features Sirloin of Beef with Red Wine Demi Glaze, and Maple Roasted Breast of Turkey with Honey Mustard sauce. The Hot Buffet offers Fire Roasted Rainbow Trout with Wild Rice Pilaf and Citrus Butter, Pan Seared Breast of Chicken with Wild Mushroom Marsala, Three Cheese Au Gratin Potatoes, Fusilli Pasta with Asparagus and Sun Dried Tomato, and Spring Vegetable Melange. Save room for dessert, Assorted Mini French Pastries, Mini Fruit Tarts, BRG Carrot Cake, and Cakes and Tortes are featured.

The cost is $30.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids 10 and under, and kids under 4 eat for free.

About Birch River GrillBirch River Grill serves rustic American gourmet comfort food. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is served 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday, with only the lounge menu available from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Dinner hours are 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Sunday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the lounge open one hour later daily. All major credit cards are accepted. Complimentary parking is available.

Make your Easter Brunch plans at Karma (510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Ill.; 847-970-6900) which offers a special brunch buffet with many options. Bring the family in Sunday, April 4 between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and enjoy Chef Robert Packer’s menu.

The cost for adults is $26.95, kids are $12.95 and kids under 5 eat for free.

About KarmaKarma is a sophisticated restaurant with a zen-laced atmosphere that serves Pan-Asian cuisine. Breakfast is served 6 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. daily. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Dinner is served 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lounge stays open one extra hour each night. Karma is located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Chicago North Shore at 510 East Route 83, Mundelein, Ill. 60060.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Chicago French Market at MetraMarket in Chicago's Fulton River District (131 N. Clinton St.; 312-575-0306) welcomed its newest vendor, Gramp's Gourmet Foods, today. Gramp's Gourmet Foods, founded by Bill "Gramp's" Brickner in 2005, features 17 varieties of both sweet and dill pickles, Martha's Sweet Hot Mustard, a variety of pickled beets and Gramp's signature drink: Apple-Pie-In-A-Jar. It is the first permanent location for Gramp's, well known for its handmade, natural gourmet foods.

Brickner's pickles hobby began during his days as an insurance salesmen, when he would create handmade pickles for his customers, family, friends and community events. After his retirement from the insurance business and with encouragement from his children, he then extended his pickle business to farmers' markets, specialty shops, online and now Gramp's first permanent location at Chicago French Market. Gramp's Gourmet Foods also offers customized gift boxes available for special order. All pickles are available in slices or spears, are hand-cut and hand-packed.

"We're excited to open our first permanent location in the heart of Chicago, at Chicago French Market," says Brickner. "What started as a passionate hobby for me has turned into a love for sharing my food, and I hope to serve this active, growing community in Chicago at Chicago French Market."

Gramp's Gourmet Foods has already created a strong following, with orders coming in from as far away as New York, Arkansas and Texas, with most repeat customers based in the Chicago and Quad Cities areas. Brickner even creates new products based on customer suggestions. After a regular customer suggested making pickles with garlic, Brickner created a recipe and launched the product, which is now one of his bestsellers.

"We even have customers order the same jars of pickles every month, and tell us they put our pickles on everything they eat," says Brickner's wife, Janet. "Making people happy is our main goal, and we're excited to make customers happy at Chicago French Market."

Gramp's Gourmet Foods joins an already impressive lineup of 30 vendors in the Chicago French Market, a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese and wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, flowers and a seating area for customers. MetraMarket's Chicago French Market and its vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

Save your grocery list for Thursday, March 25 and come to Whole Foods Market Sauganash (6020 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago; 773-205-1100) to raise money for A Silver Lining Foundation’s Buy A Mom A Mammogram. Five percent of total sales that day benefit the program which provides screening mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women at Swedish Covenant Hospital (5145 N. California Ave., Chicago; 773-878-8200).

Dr. Sandy Goldberg started A Silver Lining in 2002 to provide underinsured and uninsured women with information concerning cancer resources, treatment options and support services and funds no cost mammograms. With your support on March 25 we can fund more mammograms to women in need.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Royal George, 1641 N. Halsted, opens its doors at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 19, 2010 in honor of Michael Cullen, owner of the Mercury Theater and Cullen’s, and a 35-year veteran producer and pioneer in the development of Chicagoland theater as it is known today. Recently suffering from a stroke, Mr. Cullen requires extensive therapy treatments. The entertainment line-up is still to be announced for this event.

Michael Cullen began his artistic journey through part of his graduate program at the Goodman School of Drama where he founded the Travel Light Theater Company, one of the first off-Loop theater companies. Starting with ten actors Travel Light grew into one of the more prominent and well-known theaters. During the Travel Light years he independently produced over eighty productions. He was one of the co-founders and developers of the Theater Building located 1225 West Belmont Avenue in Chicago where Travel Light Theater found a permanent home. Here he produced such shows as Lone Star with Sigourney Weaver, Woody Guthrie featuring Tom Taylor, Gracie directed by Austin Pendelton and featuring the acclaimed Steppenwolf Company. It received four Joseph Jefferson Awards and a PBS airing. During this same time he helped found the League of Chicago Theaters.

Some of Mr. Cullen’s independent productions along with partner Arnie Saks, include the Midwest premiere of I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road starring Gretchen Cryer. It became the longest-running show at the Drury Lane Water Tower Theater, spanning 1 ½ years and winning six Joseph Jefferson Awards. His premiere of Tintypes played a record breaking run at the Apollo Theater Center and earned six Joseph Jefferson Awards. At the Goodman Theater he presented Lily Tomlin in Lily Tomlin; Appearing Nightly. He brought Mary Wilson and the Supremes, Barbara Cook, and Tommy tune to the Royal George for a series of concert appearances. He served as Associate Producer for the Broadway production of Speed of Darkness by Steve Tesiech directed by Robert Falls. It received four Tony nominations, winning a Best Supporting Actor Tony for Stephen Lang.

In 1984, Mr. Cullen along with his partner Sheila Henaghan, formed Cullen, Henaghan and Platt presenting Pump Boys and Dinettes which ran for 4 ½ years and on May 16, 1988, became the longest running musical in the history of Chicago Theater. In 1986, Mr. Cullen became involved with development of the Royal George Theater. In addition to those already mentioned, Cullen, Henaghan and Platt over a ten year period brought to Chicago productions of Shirley Valentine, Driving Miss Daisy, Steel Magnolias, I’m not Rappaport, A… My Name is Alice, Jeeves Taking Charge, The Nerd, Frankie and Johnny in the Claire du Lune, and Some Things You Need to Know Before the World Ends: A Final Evening with the Illuminati. In New York at the West Side Arts Theater they produced the off-Broadway production of 21A. In addition to those already mentioned, Mr. Cullen has worked with such stars as Charles Nelson Reilly, Loretta Swit, Ellen Burstyn, Kathy Bates, John Astin, John Mahoney, Estelle Parsons, and George Peppard.

In 1994, Mr. Cullen along with his partner, Joe Carlucci, purchased the property at 3741-3747 North Southport, which they developed into three businesses. Mr. Cullen owns and operates the businesses known as Cullen’s Bar & Grill and The Mercury Theater.

The Mercury Theater has presented a wide range of theatrical productions from the musical, Pope Joan, to the three man comedy Triple Espresso and has hosted many popular one man shows such as His Way, The Male Intellect, An Oxymoron, Jown Astin’s Edgar Allan Poe show. The Tony Award winning comedy The Last Night of Ballyhoo enjoyed a long run as did, Frank McCourt’s The Irish and How They Got That Way. Also the Mercury Buckminister Fuller, the History and Mystery of the Universe, Barry Manilow’s musical review Could It Be Magic?, Over the Tavern, Over the River and Through the Woods, and most recently the award winning Belfast Blues, currently running off-Broadway.

Free Release Tuesdays at KurmanThis is part of Kurman Communications' Free Release Tuesdays series. Are you a non-profit or charity with an upcoming event? Let us help promote it with our new service, FRT- Free Release Tuesdays.

What is it? All you have to do is send us news on your upcoming event, including the details-- date/time, location, images, a link to a Web site, etc. We'll pick our top selections and post them on our highly-read blog! Got Buzz receives thousands of page views monthly by consumers and journalists who are looking for things to do and content to feature.

KCI is pleased to help you spread the news! Send all materials to kurmanstaff@kurman.com, and remember to follow us on Twitter @kurmanstaff.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Head to the Fulton River District for exciting events and dining deals at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton; 312-575-0306). Check out upcoming events below, and remember to follow Chicago French Market on Twitter and become a Fan on Facebook.

Celebrate International Women's Day Today with Les Fleurs

Monday, March 8 from 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

To honor the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future, Les Fleurs will give a free flower to every woman in the market. Visit Les Fleurs at the southwest corner of the market. Call (312) 463-1111 for more information.

Tuesday Tastings with Buen Apetito's Louie Roman Tuesday, March 9th at 5:30 p.m.Stop by and watch Louie make his famous Pico de Gallo and Shrimp Ceviche. The demo takes place starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Chicago French Market's public dining area to the rear of the market.*Photo credit: Centerstage, David-Anthony Gonzalez

Join local food blogger Dana Joy Altman of Real Food Rehab at 10:30 a.m. every Saturday throughout the month of March for a free 45 minute tour of Chicago French Market. Samples are included! Meet her in the public dining area to the rear of the market.

Friday, March 5, 2010

The Kurman Communications team was lucky enough to organize today’s media preview of the 48th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. (5555 N. River Rd.) The show opened to the public this afternoon at 3 p.m., and runs through Sunday, Mar. 7. It’s the first time the show has been held at the Stephens Convention Center, and what a change! It’s nearly twice the amount of space as previous shows, which means more custom cars, cycles and booths for you to browse.

Check out some of the cars and cycles that are at this year’s show:

Tickets are still available for World of Wheels! Admission is $16 for adults and $5 for children 6-12. There is no admission fee for children five and under. Pick up tickets at the door, or at a discounted price at Chicago area O’Reilly Auto Parts locations. Show hours are 3 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.worldofwheels.com or follow us on Twitter: @WorldofWheelsIL. Check out a larger view of the photo here: http://bit.ly/baJgYb

In case you missed it, the 48th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels was featured during WGN-TV’s Midday News and highlighted in the Southtown Star. Check out a clip of Larry Way showing WGN anchor Steve Sanders the Summit Racing Series car, a 2,500 horsepower auto!

See the Summit Racing Series car and much more at this weekend’s O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels show, taking place March 5-7, 2010 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, Ill.). The event hours are Friday, 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are still available! Purchase tickets at the door or buy discount pre-sale tickets at O’Reilly Auto Parts locations. For more information, visit www.worldofwheels.com.

Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250) hosts its first wine dinner of 2010 at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 23. Enjoy a five course dinner prepared by Chef Daniel Ovanin and learn about the five different wines accompanying the meal from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

The 2010 America's Most Beautiful Roadster comes to the 48th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels Mar. 5-7

The 48th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels proudly welcomes the 2010 America's Most Beautiful Roadster from the 61st Annual Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, Calif. to the World of Wheels show at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, Ill.). The 1933 Ford Roadster, owned by Mike Dingman from Moorpark, Calif., will be competing for the Legend Cup award, among others.
Tickets are still available for the 48th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, happening March 5-7, so don't miss your chance to get to the show. Regular admission can be purchased for $16 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and children five and under are free.
Discount tickets for the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels are available at Chicagoland O’Reilly Auto Parts retailers. Regular adult admission is $14 and children’s admission is $4 if purchased in advance at O’Reilly Auto Parts. To see where the nearest O’Reilly retailer is, please visit www.oreillyauto.com.
Tweet Us and Win!Be sure to follow the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels show on Twitter for a chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets. One lucky follower will win! Tweet us at @WorldofWheelsIL.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Join the Indigenous Education Foundation (IEFT) on March 11 for A Night for African Education at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace. The second annual event is being hosted by Chicago resident and IEFT volunteer, Drury Lane Producer Abbie DeSantis, who became involved with IEFT in early November 2008 while pursuing a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate in northern Tanzania. Abbie found that her journey to Tanzania and time spent at Orkeeswa Secondary School was one of the most worthwhile and rewarding experiences of her life.

Enjoy a gourmet dinner, full host bar, live music, silent auction, and Fair-Trade Maasai Jewelry & Crafts all for a spectacular cause – learning more about education in East Africa and supporting solutions to global poverty.

The Tanzanian culture, Maasai people, as well as IEFT’s impact on local communities had such a positive influence on Abbie, she felt compelled to return in March 2009 to volunteer for another month at Orkeeswa. She is hoping to build awareness of the cause locally by hosting an event aimed at raising funds for the continued operation of Orkeeswa Secondary School.

“I am honored to be hosting A Night for African Education for the second year in a row,” said Abbie DeSantis, IEFT volunteer and supporter. “I hope that everyone will come out and support such a great cause."

Guests will enjoy a presentation given by guest speaker, Ashley Holmer, Co-Founder & Executive Director of IEFT. Ashley will share her personal stories about working within local and international communities to create sustainable change, and the organization’s successes and progress in providing quality, affordable education for children in rural Tanzania. Other Chicago-area residents who have volunteered with IEFT will also share their stories of working with the organization to help change lives of children in Tanzania.

About the Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania (IEFT)The Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania (IEFT) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community-collaborative organization that provides quality, affordable secondary education to under-served indigenous children in rural Tanzania. IEFT empowers children to positively transform their own lives, improve their communities and break the cycle of extreme poverty, while working to preserve their culture and traditions. Through the development of Orkeeswa Secondary School in Lashaine Village, IEFT provides secondary education to children who have no hope of continuing their education past primary school. The opportunity to receive further education is the key to escaping extreme poverty for students and their families. www.ieftz.org.

Free Release Tuesdays at KurmanThis is part of Kurman Communications' Free Release Tuesdays series. Are you a non-profit or charity with an upcoming event? Let us help promote it with our new service, FRT- Free Release Tuesdays.

What is it? All you have to do is send us news on your upcoming event, including the details-- date/time, location, images, a link to a Web site, etc. We'll pick our top selections and post them on our highly-read blog! Got Buzz receives thousands of page views monthly by consumers and journalists who are looking for things to do and content to feature.

KCI is pleased to help you spread the news! Send all materials to kurmanstaff@kurman.com, and remember to follow us on Twitter @kurmanstaff.

The Redhead Piano Bar along with Bushmills Irish Whiskey presents “Spirit For Charity” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 2. The event features sampling of Bushmills Black and Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey (10 year, 12 year and 21 year) with a “Bushmills Expert” present to discuss the different samples.

With a recommended $10 donation, all proceeds benefit Partners In Health, an organization that has been in Haiti for more than 20 years. Come and show your support for Haiti, doors open at 6 p.m.

Free Release Tuesdays at KurmanThis is part of Kurman Communications' Free Release Tuesdays series. Are you a non-profit or charity with an upcoming event? Let us help promote it with our new service, FRT- Free Release Tuesdays.

What is it? All you have to do is send us news on your upcoming event, including the details-- date/time, location, images, a link to a Web site, etc. We'll pick our top selections and post them on our highly-read blog! Got Buzz receives thousands of page views monthly by consumers and journalists who are looking for things to do and content to feature.

KCI is pleased to help you spread the news! Send all materials to kurmanstaff@kurman.com, and remember to follow us on Twitter @kurmanstaff.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Regular admission to the 48th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels can be purchased for $16 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and children five and under are free.

Discount tickets for the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels are available at Chicagoland O’Reilly Auto Parts retailers. Regular adult admission is $14 and children’s admission is $4 if purchased in advance at O’Reilly Auto Parts. To see where the nearest O’Reilly retailer is, please visit www.oreillyauto.com.

Listen live to “The Kevin Moore Show” on WJJG-AM Thursday, March 4 to hear Kevin chat with Pete Toundas about what to expect at the March 5-7 show, including what celebrities will be there. “The Kevin Moore Show” runs weekly on Thursdays from 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

Tune in to WGN TV’s Midday News on Thursday, March 4 for a sneak peek at the custom car show as very special NHRA racecar will be live in studio revving its engine as Championship Auto Show rep Bob Millard talks cars with the WGN crew.

The 48th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels held March 5-7, 2010 at its new location, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, Ill.), is positioned to be the largest show in the event’s long running history. This year’s show, presented by Denny Guest’s South Oak Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep and produced by Championship Auto Shows, Inc. hosts 500 of the country’s best custom and restored cars. The show is open 3 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 5; 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6; and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, March 7.

New Features at O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels
The O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels is a weekend to remember with new features like Drag City USA, presenting a unique exhibit of nostalgic dragsters from The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Fla. Among them are Garlits’ personal collection of “swamp rats,” Connie Kalitta’s “Bounty Hunter” and Don Prudhomme’s 1970 Wynn’s Winder, known as “The Snake,” which some may remember as a Hot Wheels car. The dragster exhibit also features the Chi-Town Hustler and Hawaiian Funny Cars from Greg Mosley’s Mopar Museum Moline, Ill.

New this year is the Tuner Galleria featuring a collection of the finest European and Japanese modern muscle and sport compacts paired with live entertainment. A lifestyle aspect is also part of this exhibit, featuring fashion shows featuring PMGirls models, karaoke, dance competitions and more.
Formerly a show in itself, the popular Chevy VetteFest also is a new addition to the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, where the ultimate in original and restored Corvettes and Chevrolets compete for the Gold Spinner and Triple Crown Awards.

Guests can also enjoy 30-minute shows from the WheelieShow.com’s Streetbike Freestyle Stunt Team. The high-energy, breathtaking shows are held multiple times each day of the three-day event.

Celebrity Showcase, presented by SuperStart Battery
Celebrity appearances are always a popular feature at the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels. The Celebrity Showcase, presented by Super Start Battery, features an all star line up including WWE Women’s Champion Melina Perez (Melina) from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, March 3. Joining the line up this year is also Chip Foose, legendary auto designer and star of “Overhaulin” on TLC who appears at the show from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 6. The kids will be happy to know that Disney actress Brenda Song from “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and “Suite Life on Deck” joins the celebrity showcase from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 7.Back by Popular Demand
Returning this year are popular exhibits including Cycle Rama, featuring more than 100 of the nation’s best custom built choppers; and MotoRama, showcasing traditional rods and customs including cars from the well-known “VooDoo Larry.”
Throughout the weekend, cars compete for the prestigious Legend Cup, sponsored by CleanTools. This award is given to the winning vehicle which best represents a combination of style, quality and craftsmanship during the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels weekend. The winner of the CleanTools Legend Cup is awarded a beautiful perennial cup and presented with a check for $5,000.

O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels also hopes to combine the worlds of auto and art with the Chicago Brushmasters “Kustom Kulture Automotive Art Auction.” This live charity auction features several hundred professionally decorated pieces from artists around the country, and all proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. The charity auction will have a special display of NHRA driver Ashley Force’s professional race car. At 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, the Chicago Brushmasters present legendary sign artist Art Dexter with the “Frank H. Atkinson Lifetime Achievement Award” for his innovation, mentoring and inspiration to the pinstriping community.

Committed to educating future generations about the automotive industry, the 5th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels Student Day is held Friday, March 5 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Participating students visit the show floor to see the vehicles and speak with sponsors and exhibitors before the event opens to the public, as well as earn complimentary access to all parts of the three-day show.

Tweet Us and Win!Be sure to follow the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels show on Twitter for a chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets. One lucky follower will win! Tweet us at @WorldofWheelsIL.

The Chicago French Market is launching a new series of weekly events called Tuesday Tastings at the Market! Every Tuesday in the public dining area, Chicago French Market will host a different vendor or chef demo and tasting beginning at 5:30 pm.

The inaugural Tuesday Tasting kicks off this Tuesday, March 2 with Chef Greg Christian of Zullo's cooking up an organic seasonal veggie pasta!

Zullo’s has been a Green City Market favorite for its southern Italian food. Now, those much raved about apple cider donuts are available six days a week at their first permanent location. Pizza, pasta, panini, pastries and soups also will be available.

The Chicago French Market is located on 131 N. Clinton in the Ogilvie Transportation Center.

The Market is accessible at 131 N. Clinton as well as from 118 N. Canal through Ogilvie Transportation Center’s Suburban Concourse (both entrances are located between Randolph and Washington Streets).

About theGene Siskel Film Center: For more than 30 years, the Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has presented world-class independent, international, and classic cinema. Renamed in honor of the late film critic in 2000, the Gene Siskel Film Center presents approximately 1,500 screenings and 100 guest artist appearances year to over 65,000 film enthusiasts at its unique, sophisticated, modern facilities which have been operating since June 2001 at 164 N. State St.

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